Well crafted adventure game (The Legend of Zelda - The Wind Waker (GC))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	The Legend of Zelda - The Wind Waker (GC)
Date:	03/09/09 (3 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great visuals and some fun gameplay

Disadvantages: Hyper-responsive controls

I'm probably going to be seen as a bit of a heathen for saying this, but whilst I enjoyed the N64 Legend of Zelda games - Occarina of Time and Majora's Mask - I never really LOVED them, and was always more of a Final Fantasy man. What I will say is that, for all of my frustrations regarding the camera angle and control issues of the previous games, Nintendo have gone a distance to rectify these problems, and make it a smooth, slick adventure that doesn't deliberately attempt to frustrate the player, as is seemingly more than be said for parts of the previous games. With the jump to a new generation, the game also ensures that new players won't be left in the dark - everything is very straightforward and explained to you.

Whilst I never really cared for the plot of the previous games, I'd at least rate it for its attempt to present something WORTH caring about, particularly if you're an avid fan of the series. Once again, you play noble Link, as he attempts to fight the all powerful Triforce away from the evil and brutish Ganondorf.

I will also praise the visuals somewhat - Nintendo took a HUGE gamble with the cel-shaded approach, and whilst they probably did alienate some of their audience, it's still an immaculately presented game, and is a nice change from the norm. Given how the game and its look in previous installments has been anything but realistic, this new approach suits me fine. The animation style also suits the cel-shaded look very well, and Nintendo were obviously very careful to make sure that the two meshed together properly.

I made it to the end of the game eventually, and whilst I'm not going to profess to loving every second of it (and in fact becoming quite frustrated sometimes at the over-sensitive controls), it is a game that's ultimately going to please the Hell out of its core audience, and that's what really matters. It's going to appeal to fans because of the story, and kids will like it because of the rather stunning, cartoon-style presentation, but if you're not among the initiated, or rather, weren't blown away by the previous games, it's unlikely to change your mind.

Summary: A solid sequel that will please fans